Letters - New York Times  

July 5, 2005
Letters

Bigger Problems Than Weight
To the Editor:
Re "For Overweight Children, Are 'Fat Camps' a Solution?" (June 28): The major 
factor in the unhappiness of overweight children is not their weight; it is 
harsh treatment and lack of acceptance by other children and by adults. 
While it is unclear whether a child's participation in a weight camp will result 
in lower weight long term, it is certain that the child's school administrators 
and teachers can prevent much of the suffering associated with being bullied. In 
schools at which bullying is effectively addressed, children of all weights and 
shapes can find acceptance and support. Such children are then truly free to try to
make changes in their weight or not, as they wish, unburdened by the fears and 
pressures harsh treatment by peers adds to the mix. 
Stuart Green
Summit, N.J.
The writer is the director of the New Jersey Coalition for Bullying Awareness 
and Prevention.

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